XT-97 assault rifle

XT97

XT-97 Assault Rifle.
Type Assault rifle
Place of origin  ROC (Taiwan)
Production history
Designed 2008
Manufacturer 205th Arsenal
Produced TBD
Specifications
Weight 4 kg (excluding magazine)
Length 850 mm (stock extended)
770 mm (stock retracted)
580 mm (stock folded)
Barrel length mm

Cartridge 5.56x45mm NATO
9x19mm NATO
Action gas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire RPM
Muzzle velocity m/s
Effective range 600 m
Feed system Various STANAG Magazines.
Sights Various optical sights on Picatinny railing.
Folding front and rear backup iron sights.

The XT97 assault rifle (5.56公厘XT97突擊步槍) is a prototype multipurpose 5.56mm rifle currently under development at the 205th Armory, Ministry of Defense, Republic of China. It was first displayed in public during the 2009 Taipei Aerospace Technology Exhibition.

According to official news release, the XT97 is designed to permit quick barrel change in the field, allowing different calibers of ammunition to be fired. The stock is both retractable and fold-able. This feature, together with the relocation of the charging handle above the barrel, suggests that the internal design departs significantly from the T65 assault rifle lineage.

Intended users of the XT97 rifle include infantry, airborne, marines, artillery, and mechanized/motorized vehicle crew.

References